If you've sailed your boat in the dark, what precautions have you taken to avoid groundings, commercial traffic, or other sailboats? Have you confined your nocturnal adventures to local, familiar waters? Or have you employed higher tech solutions like plotters, GPS, or radar? Share your dark secrets here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz, found toward the bottom of the CO home page.
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George Damerel
Sailing at night
Sailed a lot at night both on lakes and coastal. It's wonderful and different Some things I learned. 1. Carry powerful flashlights 2. GPS's are wonderful but keep your eyes open 3. Follow charts diligently 4. Make sure a rested crewmember is on watch 5. Learn and become comfortable with nav lights 6. watch tides & drift carefully ... at night you're points of reference are reduced 7. Wear lifelines if offshore
Sailed a lot at night both on lakes and coastal. It's wonderful and different Some things I learned. 1. Carry powerful flashlights 2. GPS's are wonderful but keep your eyes open 3. Follow charts diligently 4. Make sure a rested crewmember is on watch 5. Learn and become comfortable with nav lights 6. watch tides & drift carefully ... at night you're points of reference are reduced 7. Wear lifelines if offshore
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Mike Hagerman
A Religious Experience
Last year, I took an advanced cruising course at the Boston Sailing Center. We left Boston Harbor about 7pm, just as it was getting dark. This was by design as the instructor was determined to TEST our motley crew of 5 on a night trip to Great Misery Island just off Marblehead. We'd already been warned that this would involve following an UNLIT string of buoys to our anchorage. Since I was the only one with gloves (it was a cold mid-May night), I took the helm. As hit the outer harbor marker where it was truly dark, we had our 1st religious experience: The sight of an obviously LARGE ocean going tug incoming with a barge somewhere behind it. Though it was at least a mile off the starboard beam, it was a sight to behold - and a great lesson in light recognition. Along the way, our instructor sent 2 of our students forward to reef the sail. Unfortunately 1 of them (the largest of our crew) tripped on a cleat or winch and fell headlong into the cockpit. He gashed his knee cap which gave new meaning to our anchoring off Great Misery Island. The passage through the area of unlit buoys was exciting, to say the least. When I bought my Cat 30 that same month, the 1st thing I purchased was a very large rechargable spotlight. In 1992, I crewed a friends 37 footer on a trip to Maine via the Isle of Shoals off New Hampshire. Another "religous experience": We picked out our mooring under moonlight. Sail at night, but be prepared, be awake and have your spotlight ready. Especially watch out for lobster pots - they can ruin your whole cruise!
Last year, I took an advanced cruising course at the Boston Sailing Center. We left Boston Harbor about 7pm, just as it was getting dark. This was by design as the instructor was determined to TEST our motley crew of 5 on a night trip to Great Misery Island just off Marblehead. We'd already been warned that this would involve following an UNLIT string of buoys to our anchorage. Since I was the only one with gloves (it was a cold mid-May night), I took the helm. As hit the outer harbor marker where it was truly dark, we had our 1st religious experience: The sight of an obviously LARGE ocean going tug incoming with a barge somewhere behind it. Though it was at least a mile off the starboard beam, it was a sight to behold - and a great lesson in light recognition. Along the way, our instructor sent 2 of our students forward to reef the sail. Unfortunately 1 of them (the largest of our crew) tripped on a cleat or winch and fell headlong into the cockpit. He gashed his knee cap which gave new meaning to our anchoring off Great Misery Island. The passage through the area of unlit buoys was exciting, to say the least. When I bought my Cat 30 that same month, the 1st thing I purchased was a very large rechargable spotlight. In 1992, I crewed a friends 37 footer on a trip to Maine via the Isle of Shoals off New Hampshire. Another "religous experience": We picked out our mooring under moonlight. Sail at night, but be prepared, be awake and have your spotlight ready. Especially watch out for lobster pots - they can ruin your whole cruise!
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Mike Meece
Oh Boy, night sailing!
My wife and I and another couple ventured south to St. Augustine last year. We left just at dusk and was offshore by nightfall. The winds where gentle untill 2am when the winds picked up. Then it started to rain. A rather cold rain I might add. We were prepared ahead of time with the sails reefed, foulies on, and everyone in harness and lifevest. We were all clipped to jacklines while on our watch. Our C320 took on quarting seas with aplomb and we made the entrance to St. Auguastine just at dawn. At one time, with the main reefed and the jib rolled up to a working jib size we made 8 knots. Yea, the wind was blowing and it was pitch dark. We preplanning using charts and GPS we arrive safe and sound. We hooked up the power cord at the downtown marina turned on the heat and dry off. Other times we have come down the ICW and made our slip in the dark after a great day of sailing. Night sailing, Oh Boy!
My wife and I and another couple ventured south to St. Augustine last year. We left just at dusk and was offshore by nightfall. The winds where gentle untill 2am when the winds picked up. Then it started to rain. A rather cold rain I might add. We were prepared ahead of time with the sails reefed, foulies on, and everyone in harness and lifevest. We were all clipped to jacklines while on our watch. Our C320 took on quarting seas with aplomb and we made the entrance to St. Auguastine just at dawn. At one time, with the main reefed and the jib rolled up to a working jib size we made 8 knots. Yea, the wind was blowing and it was pitch dark. We preplanning using charts and GPS we arrive safe and sound. We hooked up the power cord at the downtown marina turned on the heat and dry off. Other times we have come down the ICW and made our slip in the dark after a great day of sailing. Night sailing, Oh Boy!
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Dave O
Go for it, BUT....
I sail at night on a regular basis on the SF Bay. On weeknights there is a lot of Shipping traffic. I try to bring people out that have never been out at night to let them get familiar with it. My 76 Catalina's forward running lights are not very bright or are set at the wrong angle, I have heard about this problem on other cat27's, So I keep a Spotlight ready and if I get into a situation with another boat I can make sure they see me. And I stay well clear of all ships. I believe that every sailor should be able to navigate their local waters at night because we all will eventually be caugh out at night, most likely in bad weather and maybe even with engine problems(that is why you are getting in late), and will need to sail into your berth in the dark. It is a good thing to practice so if and when the situation arises, you can get in safely. So go out at night but be prepaired and know where you are at all times and where the shipping lanes are at all times. Also always be looking for other boats and ships, they will appear out of nowhere so always know which way to get out of their way.
I sail at night on a regular basis on the SF Bay. On weeknights there is a lot of Shipping traffic. I try to bring people out that have never been out at night to let them get familiar with it. My 76 Catalina's forward running lights are not very bright or are set at the wrong angle, I have heard about this problem on other cat27's, So I keep a Spotlight ready and if I get into a situation with another boat I can make sure they see me. And I stay well clear of all ships. I believe that every sailor should be able to navigate their local waters at night because we all will eventually be caugh out at night, most likely in bad weather and maybe even with engine problems(that is why you are getting in late), and will need to sail into your berth in the dark. It is a good thing to practice so if and when the situation arises, you can get in safely. So go out at night but be prepaired and know where you are at all times and where the shipping lanes are at all times. Also always be looking for other boats and ships, they will appear out of nowhere so always know which way to get out of their way.
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LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina
Night sailing on the Columbia River
Beautiful. Generally calm. But it keeps you on your toes trying to decifer all the lights! You have brigdges, cars, planes, restaurants, barges, boats, industrial, etc. to contend with. But the best part is that there are NEVER jet skis out there after nightfall! LaDonna
Beautiful. Generally calm. But it keeps you on your toes trying to decifer all the lights! You have brigdges, cars, planes, restaurants, barges, boats, industrial, etc. to contend with. But the best part is that there are NEVER jet skis out there after nightfall! LaDonna
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Tom Temple
Asleep at the wheel in the dark.
Sailed single handed from Ensenada to San Diego. Left at 2300 and set the Auto pilot and Radar Intrusion Alarm. Then set my Alarm clock to wake me up every hour in the event nothing else woke me up. Turned on my electric blanket and went to sleep. God I love these modern conveniences and navigation devices. IT was never this easy in the old days. Dawn found me off the Coronados and but 0900 I was snugly in the Harbor.
Sailed single handed from Ensenada to San Diego. Left at 2300 and set the Auto pilot and Radar Intrusion Alarm. Then set my Alarm clock to wake me up every hour in the event nothing else woke me up. Turned on my electric blanket and went to sleep. God I love these modern conveniences and navigation devices. IT was never this easy in the old days. Dawn found me off the Coronados and but 0900 I was snugly in the Harbor.
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Jerry Burgan
Sailing + Full Moon + Music = ZEN
The ultimate experience. I long for warm, mid-summer full moon nights. It caresses the soul. Fills the senses. Brings you closer to oneness with Mother Nature. And leaves you.... pleasantly awestruck.
The ultimate experience. I long for warm, mid-summer full moon nights. It caresses the soul. Fills the senses. Brings you closer to oneness with Mother Nature. And leaves you.... pleasantly awestruck.
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SEAN
LADONNA, COLUMBIA RIVER
The Columbia river is not a good place to sail at any time of day. Sailed there for five years. You can leave the slip, do ten tacks to weather, come back to your slip and never go down wind. We won't even discuss what happens if you go down wind!. Hense,PUGET SOUND. Night is wonderful.
The Columbia river is not a good place to sail at any time of day. Sailed there for five years. You can leave the slip, do ten tacks to weather, come back to your slip and never go down wind. We won't even discuss what happens if you go down wind!. Hense,PUGET SOUND. Night is wonderful.
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Capn' Odie
Great Lakes at Night
After the standard safety rules, you should keep a close watch with rested sailors and enjoy a hot cup of coffee. Put on a little music and enjoy the night, some of the best sailing ever. Last summer after two weeks in the North Channel of Lake Huron, we left Tobermory for Detroit. It was a beautiful morning with a fresh breeze and perfect sailing conditions. But as is the norm in the high summer of the Great Lakes you are often faced with some serious weather. We watched carefully and planned our course to miss the building weather cells and were treated to a spectacular display of Thunderstorms as night fell around us. The storms were a distance off and we were safe as our plans paid out (it doesn't always work right). I would not have missed this for the world!!! It is awe-inspiring and beautiful. The clear night sky above us, storms around us, and a light show that you cannot buy a ticket for anywhere unless you are willing to night sail. Night Sailing is worth the extra effort. Capn' Odie
After the standard safety rules, you should keep a close watch with rested sailors and enjoy a hot cup of coffee. Put on a little music and enjoy the night, some of the best sailing ever. Last summer after two weeks in the North Channel of Lake Huron, we left Tobermory for Detroit. It was a beautiful morning with a fresh breeze and perfect sailing conditions. But as is the norm in the high summer of the Great Lakes you are often faced with some serious weather. We watched carefully and planned our course to miss the building weather cells and were treated to a spectacular display of Thunderstorms as night fell around us. The storms were a distance off and we were safe as our plans paid out (it doesn't always work right). I would not have missed this for the world!!! It is awe-inspiring and beautiful. The clear night sky above us, storms around us, and a light show that you cannot buy a ticket for anywhere unless you are willing to night sail. Night Sailing is worth the extra effort. Capn' Odie
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dave kendig
Always on watch
I don't know how others feel about this, but to not have someone on watch at all times is absolute suicide! we brought our c-30 up from Long Beach to Santa Cruz, around Point Conception and Point Sur, And several times along the way we came across ships, other small boats,and also several pods of dolphin and whales, There were three overnight sails, and on all three we did 4 hour watches, just the two of us, and were thankful several times that someone had been on watch! It is nice to have all the modern conveniences but nothing takes the place of someone on deck.
I don't know how others feel about this, but to not have someone on watch at all times is absolute suicide! we brought our c-30 up from Long Beach to Santa Cruz, around Point Conception and Point Sur, And several times along the way we came across ships, other small boats,and also several pods of dolphin and whales, There were three overnight sails, and on all three we did 4 hour watches, just the two of us, and were thankful several times that someone had been on watch! It is nice to have all the modern conveniences but nothing takes the place of someone on deck.
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Kurt Schurenberg
Beautiful, but watch out for the bubba boats
We turn on our spreader lights so that any late-night partying power boaters can't mistake our big white sails. Also, Lake Lanier has a lot of shoaly areas, and you need to be constantly looking for the low-water markers and keeping an eye on the depth meter.
We turn on our spreader lights so that any late-night partying power boaters can't mistake our big white sails. Also, Lake Lanier has a lot of shoaly areas, and you need to be constantly looking for the low-water markers and keeping an eye on the depth meter.
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Kevin Fagan
Ready for the jump to No-Light Speed
For the past few years I have crewed for friends where night passages where made. Two years ago, after winning the Lost Bay Race in Perdido, we dicided to try and "out-run" tropical storm Hermine before it made landfall. We split the trip into three legs so we could have two people in the cockpit at all times, which worked out quite well, and in all the trip was made safely. Steady forty knot winds, with gusts to sixty-five, and seas around fourteen feet were handled easily by a well rested crew. We also made the trip back in near record time. Then last year, during the Gulfport to Pensacola Race, which we placed third, we spent the night lashed to jacklines and sleeping about the deck as we made our way to the finish line. Planning and safety are the keys to a successful passage. This June Patti and I are making a mad dash for Tampa which will envolve a one night passage across the gulf. We have begun our planning for just this part our trip this week.
For the past few years I have crewed for friends where night passages where made. Two years ago, after winning the Lost Bay Race in Perdido, we dicided to try and "out-run" tropical storm Hermine before it made landfall. We split the trip into three legs so we could have two people in the cockpit at all times, which worked out quite well, and in all the trip was made safely. Steady forty knot winds, with gusts to sixty-five, and seas around fourteen feet were handled easily by a well rested crew. We also made the trip back in near record time. Then last year, during the Gulfport to Pensacola Race, which we placed third, we spent the night lashed to jacklines and sleeping about the deck as we made our way to the finish line. Planning and safety are the keys to a successful passage. This June Patti and I are making a mad dash for Tampa which will envolve a one night passage across the gulf. We have begun our planning for just this part our trip this week.
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Mark Gale
Distorted
We've sailed a lot out of our home port in Milwaukee plus up and down Lake Michigan at night. In addition to what others have said, I think the biggest thing to prepare for is that distances, lights, speed all take on subtley different dimensions (they appear to at least) on a pitch dark night. Add a little haze and you can be motoring at 6.5 but feel you are not moving. Be very familiar with the territory until you get used to the sensations. Plus the unlighted nuns and cans that are so much help during the day are much harder (obviously) to see. There is, however, nothing better than being out on a warm night with a decent breeze to watch the sun set and the moon rise.
We've sailed a lot out of our home port in Milwaukee plus up and down Lake Michigan at night. In addition to what others have said, I think the biggest thing to prepare for is that distances, lights, speed all take on subtley different dimensions (they appear to at least) on a pitch dark night. Add a little haze and you can be motoring at 6.5 but feel you are not moving. Be very familiar with the territory until you get used to the sensations. Plus the unlighted nuns and cans that are so much help during the day are much harder (obviously) to see. There is, however, nothing better than being out on a warm night with a decent breeze to watch the sun set and the moon rise.
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cleeman
light pollution a prob
i have sailed for weeks at a time and when sailing at night coastal crusing is best if you know where your going but if not your eyes will adjust if you avoid bright light on your boat it takes 15 min or so but the stars even through clouds are astounding source of light when locating marks...shine a lamp off the water on horizin down to where mark should be and avoid blinding your night vision by reflecting light off water in frunt of you it is red light only for charts and nav the head teather a must .is tooo mutch fun great feeling
i have sailed for weeks at a time and when sailing at night coastal crusing is best if you know where your going but if not your eyes will adjust if you avoid bright light on your boat it takes 15 min or so but the stars even through clouds are astounding source of light when locating marks...shine a lamp off the water on horizin down to where mark should be and avoid blinding your night vision by reflecting light off water in frunt of you it is red light only for charts and nav the head teather a must .is tooo mutch fun great feeling
C
CO Editorial
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 3/19/2000: Have you sailed at night? 45% Yes, frequently (97) 40% Yes, rarely (85) 12% No (25) 3% Are you kidding? (7)
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 3/19/2000: Have you sailed at night? 45% Yes, frequently (97) 40% Yes, rarely (85) 12% No (25) 3% Are you kidding? (7)
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